The Juniper Tree
The Juniper Tree — an illustrated tales story. 10 illustrated pages, free to read on Wonder Tales.
Page 1
In the village of Schattenmarkt, a carnival only visible during meteor showers, lived two children: Marlena, a girl with a heart full of kindness but cursed with silence, and Johannes, her envious stepbrother, a boy driven by greed. Their tale began the night their stepmother, Agnes, a woman with a dark secret and hunger for gold, made a deadly stew. The Juniper Tree at the heart of the carnival held witness, its ancient branches whispering of a sorrow yet to bloom and a truth hidden in smoke.
Page 2
Agnes stirred the pot, its aroma filling the small cottage. "Johannes, taste this! Is it fit for your father?" Johannes eagerly dipped a ladle in, savoring the rich broth. Marlena watched, her stomach growling, but fear kept her silent. Agnes sneered. "Marlena will not eat. She does not deserve such delicacies.
Page 3
"More!" Johannes demanded, reaching for another bowl. Agnes smiled, sharpening a large butcher knife. "Patience, my son. The best is yet to come." Suddenly, Johannes gasped, clutching his chest. He collapsed to the floor, his bowl shattering, staining the snow-covered ground crimson.
Page 4
Agnes dragged Johannes' body inside. "Now, Marlena, we must make your father think he merely fell ill." She chopped Johannes into pieces, stewing his flesh. Marlena watched, frozen with terror. "Serve your father," Agnes hissed, shoving a bowl into Marlena's trembling hands. "Or you shall share your brother's fate."
Page 5
Their father returned, weary from the carnival's close. He ate the stew without suspicion. "This is the best you've ever made, Agnes!" he exclaimed. As he ate, Marlena wept silently, remembering the boy who now seasoned the pot. That night, she collected Johannes' bones, and wrapped them in her silken scarf.
Page 6
Under the Juniper Tree, Marlena buried the bones, scattering fragrant blossoms. As she did, a mist rose, coalescing into a magnificent bird. It sang a sorrowful song, its notes carrying the weight of Johannes' fate. The bird then flew up, soaring above the meteor shower.
Page 7
The bird flew to a nearby smithy, landing on the roof. "What a beautiful song!" the smith exclaimed. The bird sang: "My mother she killed me, My father he ate me." Startled, the smith brought the trinkets, a golden chain, a jeweled ring, and a fine pair of shoes.
Page 8
The bird flew back to the cottage, dropping the chain around her father's neck, the ring on Marlena's finger, and the shoes before Agnes. It then sang its song one last time. Johannes' father adorned in gold, Johannes' sister with a ring, Agnes with shoes. The stepsister, she began to dance.
Page 9
She danced faster and faster, unable to stop, the shoes burning her feet. Suddenly, the ground opened beneath her. Agnes screamed as she fell into the fiery depths, her gold-lusting heart finally consumed. Where Agnes once stood, Marlena now saw a new Juniper Tree standing tall next to the ancient one.
Page 10
From the Juniper Tree, Johannes emerged, unharmed, embracing his father and sister. Marlena, no longer silent, finally spoke, her voice as clear as the carnival bells. "'The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched - they must be felt with the heart,' as Helen Keller said." And so, the children learned that even in the darkest night, kindness and truth will find their way.
About this story
- Audience: kids (ages 6–12)
Questions and answers
Read Wonder Tales on your phone
Wonder Tales is available on Android. Get Wonder Tales on Google Play.